A Review Study on Crowdfunding for Small and Medium Enterprises in the United Arab Emirates: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: With an emphasis on Dubai's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, this research article investigates crowdfunding as a new alternative financing option for SMEs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study shows that crowdfunding provides SMEs with significant benefits, such as easier access to capital, less reliance on bank loans based on collateral, early market validation, and more customer and supporter participation. The report also demonstrates how, when used skilfully by SMEs, crowdfunding may promote innovation and corporate expansion. Nonetheless, the study identifies a number of persistent obstacles that prevent broader adoption, including regulatory ambiguity, a lack of knowledge about crowdfunding methods, worries about platform credibility and trust, and disparities in SME owners' digital and financial proficiency. This study offers useful suggestions for SMEs, crowdfunding websites, and legislators to increase acceptance, lower risk, and boost value generation considering these findings. All things considered, the assessment provides information on how crowdfunding may be more effectively used to promote a more sustainable and inclusive SME finance ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates.
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7124735688
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